Can lithium be used to combat depression?

Question

I've read that lithium in low doses is an anti depressive, how does it function that way when it's used to halt mania?

Answer 1

It's rarely used for depression. Particularly in light of the fact that no antidepressant cures depression... including lithium. The only cure for depression is good health, a few supplements, and a comprehensive cognitive therapy program. Been there.

Answer 2

Lithium is one of the first of several drugs that is used to combat manic-depressive disease. I have never heard of it being used as an anti-depressant instead of one of the many excellent anti-depressants that are now available. Lithium is a very powerful medication with some dangerous possible side effects. The new selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRI's) that are on the market for depression are much safer and have fewer side effects. I would imagine that it is more likely that when it is prescribed for manic-depressive disease (or bi-polar disease) it has the effect of lessening the depression that accompanies this disease.
As I said, I have never known of lithium to be prescribed when manic-depressive disease does not exist. However, doctors do have complete latitude when prescribing a drug and are able to prescribe medication for conditions other than what that drug was intended.
Also, although you did not ask, often an anti-depressent is prescribed along with Lithium as part of the treatment for bi-polar/manic depressent disease.
Ihope I have helped at least a bit.
Blessings
Lady Trinity~

Answer 3

i have been on lithium for 9 months now. i have had ups and downs with this drug. yes and no about halting mania. just depends. i have been at toxic levels and felt real bad. it is a fastacting drug though. i will tell u, i take an anti-depressant and it does cause manic issues at times with the lithium.and despite what the others have said, i do believe to a point it does help with depression. take care.

Answer 4

Lithium helps regulate moods via neurotransmitters. It is used as a mood stabilizer. It can help with depression once the mood is stabilized, but most need an antidepressant to help with depression. Most antidepressants help keep the level of serotonin at a "normal" level. There is no cure for depression. Even though a person may take antidepressants or mood stabilizers, there is a;ways a chance of relapse.

Answer 5

My ex-husband was a manic depressive, lithium was a part of his daily regimen, his disease was severe, and without the lithium it was the most terrible and frightening experience I lived through.

Answer 6

I know for a fact that it can be used as an antidepressant, because it was prescribed to my Dad for that purpose. It did help him, too. Maybe it depends on how depressed you are. He eventually was switched to Zoloft. Anyway, hope this helps.